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Cultural differences and economic development of 31 countries
Scott Nadler1, James E Zemanek
1Department of Marketing, School of Business, East Carolina University, 3414 General Classroom Building, Greenville, North Carolina 27858-4353, USA.
Psychological Reports
|October 14, 2006
Summary
This study examined how culture influences economic development across 31 nations, finding partial support for modernization theory and Hofstede
Area of Science:
- Cross-cultural studies
- Economic development research
- Sociological impact of culture
Background:
- Hofstede's cultural dimensions theory (1980) provides a foundational framework.
- Previous research indicates culture significantly impacts national economic trajectories.
- Updating and extending empirical research on cultural influence is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of culture on economic development in 31 nations.
- To provide updated empirical support for modernization theory.
- To extend Hofstede's original findings with contemporary data.
Main Methods:
- Data collection from 31 countries on key economic and social indicators.
- Analysis of per capita gross domestic product (GDP).
- Assessment of literacy rates, population growth rates, and life expectancy.
Main Results:
- Correlations identified between cultural factors and economic development indicators.
- Partial support found for the predictions of modernization theory.
- Findings partially align with and extend Hofstede's 1980 research.
Conclusions:
- Cultural dimensions demonstrate a measurable impact on national economic development.
- Modernization theory receives conditional empirical validation.
- Further research can build upon these updated cross-cultural economic insights.
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